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oathbreaker

An oathbreaker is a person who intentionally fails to fulfill an oath, vow, or sworn duty. The term is used in legal, religious, political, and literary contexts to describe a breach of a formal promise. Etymology: a straightforward compound of oath and breaker; in English it has been used since the medieval period to denote someone who renounces commitments made under an oath.

Legal and institutional contexts: In secular law, an oath may underpin testimony or official duties. Violating

Religious and moral dimensions: Many faiths place strict emphasis on keeping vows. Oathbreaking is often framed

Fiction and modern usage: In literature and media, oathbreakers are a common archetype representing betrayal, loss

See also: perjury, breach of contract, loyalty, oath of allegiance, treason.

it
can
amount
to
perjury
if
the
oath
concerns
truth-telling,
or
to
breach
of
contract
or
official
misconduct,
with
penalties
ranging
from
civil
liability
to
removal
from
office
or
criminal
sanctions,
depending
on
jurisdiction
and
the
nature
of
the
oath.
as
a
breach
of
trust
and
may
carry
moral
condemnation
or
spiritual
consequences
within
the
tradition.
of
honor,
or
the
burden
of
past
promises.
The
term
is
sometimes
used
metaphorically
to
discuss
political
or
personal
betrayals
rather
than
as
a
formal
designation.